Those who are used to hunting on the early hours or who stay a lot in the outdoors know the heavy importance of having a flashlight on hand that they can carry everyday. Typically, you realize the necessity of having a flashlight handy just when you need one and you happen not to have one. You might need one when searching for some misplaced keys. On the extreme, you might need a tactical flashlight for self defense. No matter what the application, a hunting flashlight is always an invaluable must-have tool.

Top 7 Hunting Flashlights with reviews

If successful hunting trips is what you are after, then owning good gear is a must; most experienced hunters know this perfectly. The flashlight is one of the most basic but important staples to have in your arsenal, whether you are hunting, camping or hiking. While choosing one isn’t rocket science, we have simplified the process. Below you can read our reviews for the 7 best flashlights for hunting and more.

1. Odepro KL52Plus Zoomable – Best hunting light package

If you’re in the market for an effective hunting flashlight that doesn’t force you to break the bank, perhaps you should check out the specs of this Odepro alternative. It’s equipped with an adjustable focus, so you can zoom out the hunting flashlight and use it as a spotlight, in which case you’d be able to reach as far out as 1350 feet in high mode.

The model also boasts 4 color LED modules – red, white, green, as well as an IR850nm, so if this unit isn’t versatile, we don’t know what it is. It can definitely serve you well in a host of hunting situations.

Another aspect you ought to know about this product is that it is shock-resistant, but also weather and water-resistant, so it can definitely put up with the abuse of the elements, no matter if you do your hunting in the winter or in early spring.

What we liked:

Shock, water, and weatherproof build allows you to do your hunting anytime you want

Ergonomic design lets you handle it with ease

It comes with four color LED modules from red to green

You can use it as a spotlight

What we didn’t like:

Other lights are brighter, at least based on what some users are saying

2. J5 Tactical V1-Pro – Good Value light

When it comes to designing high-performance flashlights for a variety of outdoor activities, few manufacturers even come close to the brand reputation acquired by J5 Tactical. That’s because most of the products developed by this manufacturing brand are reliable, durable, and versatile, and they are entirely capable of doing what they are supposed to.

This particular unit has an output brightness of 300 lumens, which means that it’s perfect for outdoor pursuits ranging from cycling and camping to climbing and hunting. Since it’s equipped with LED bulbs, it’s also economical. You won’t notice that the light fades after a while, unlike what happens with some of its competitors.

The unit is outfitted with three modes – low, high, and strobe. Sure, it might not be as versatile as some of the other devices in this selection since it doesn’t come with red or green lights, but it is undoubtedly convenient and easy to use.

What we liked:

What we didn’t like:

It doesn’t have any green or red light modes

3. GearLight High-Powered S1200 – Decent light for outdoor use

You might want to consider this budget-friendly choice by GearLight since it doesn’t cost a fortune and it also does what it is designed to do. The field where this device really shines is the battery autonomy as it can provide plenty of light for as many as three camping or hunting nights.

On top of everything, the GearLight model works with standard AA batteries, so there’s nothing stopping you from keeping a spare pair in your hunting backpack so that you never run out of a light source as you’re walking through the forest, for example.

It’s also worth noting that this particular flashlight comes with as many as five settings from high, medium and low to strobe and SOS. Again, we couldn’t help noticing that a red and green mode might have been useful. However, it’s a regular flashlight that will help you get your bearings, and guess what? It’s also water-resistant.

What we liked:

What we didn’t like:

It doesn’t come with any red or green light modes

4. Streamlight 88040 ProTac – Great everyday carry flashlight

If you have nothing against investing in a high-end flashlight that withstands the test of time and provides you with more than enough light when you need it the most, then perhaps the Streamlight 88040 is a model you ought to take into account. It boasts the C4 LED technology, so you will never be disappointed by the brightness ensured by this unit.

Also, it comes with a deep-dish parabolic reflector that’s said to produce a concentrated beam without affecting peripheral illumination. As if that weren’t enough, its run time has been regulated, which means that this particular device can make it possible for you to benefit from excellent battery life all throughout its use.

Finally, since it boasts an anodized aluminum construction and a sure grip design, you don’t have to worry about this product not lasting you for several hunting seasons on end. It’s also very easy to use thanks to the push-button tail switch it comes with.

What we liked:

Easy to switch between the 3 light output levels thanks to the push-button tail switch

Regulated brightness intensity and battery runtime

Durable thanks to its anodized machined aircraft design

It comes with a removable pocket clip

What we didn’t like:

Some users declare themselves frustrated by the tail cap switch as they have to push it too many times to get to the setting they need

5. ThruNite T10 CW XP-L – Best allaround pocket sized light

Another option you might want to bear in mind is this one by ThruNite. Let’s see what makes it so popular with hunters and other outdoor adventure aficionados. First off, it comes in a compact design, so it fits comfortably in your backpack or even your pocket. It’s lightweight and easy to carry, so it doesn’t add to all that bulk and weight you have to handle (that of your hunting gear, especially).

It features three output modes, and to customize the operation, you can use the twisting head or the tail switch. It’s worth adding that this product emits 252 lumens in high mode, so it has a somewhat lower performance compared to other units we’ve showcased here. However, it’s worth every penny if you aren’t particularly demanding in terms of brightness.

The model is shipped with a spare O-ring, a diffuser, as well as a pocket clip.

What we liked:

The aircraft-grade aluminum body means that it will stand the test of time

It comes with three light settings – low, high, and firefly

Anti-reflective coating on the lens

What we didn’t like:

It doesn’t come with red and green modes

Its lumen output isn’t exactly impressive, not even in high mode

6. Nitecore SRT9 2150 – Powerful Complete light package

Probably the best thing about this model is that it comes with everything you need to get started. It is shipped with the tactical flashlight, a holster, a removable clip, a lanyard, a tail-cap, a rubber cushion, as well as a spare O-ring. Besides, it even includes rechargeable batteries, and a 2-port charger, an AC/car adapter, and a battery organizer.

Now that you know that you will be getting your money’s worth if you decide to opt for this product, let’s look at what it can do for you. The performance of this flashlight can’t be argued with since it comes with a 2150 lumen beam that’s capable of showing you what’s going on at a distance of up to 269 yards from where you are positioned.

Also, one advantage that this model has and that others don’t is that it comes with multi-function color leds, so you can use the red, the green, or the blue to make it a highly effective tool for tracking blood or for hunting vermin, for example.

What we liked:

What we didn’t like:

It takes some time getting used to

7. JETBeam 9007113 Rrt26 – Premium Light

Should you need a powerful and versatile LED light that can handle most situations you’ll encounter as a hunter, then you ought to consider this model from JETBeam. It boasts an aircraft-grade aluminum body, so that means that it is a winner when it comes to durability. It’s even impact-resistant if you don’t drop it from extreme heights, and it withstands a dunk in the water if it has to.

Furthermore, this model works with two types of batteries, so it is more or less versatile. The best thing about this product and what should interest you the most is that it comes with the latest XM-L2 LED from CREE, and green, red, and blue secondary LEDs are provided – and these will definitely help you make the most of your outdoor pursuits.

There are seven different outputs you can select from and you can do that via the magnetic control ring that this flashlight is equipped with.

What we liked:

What we didn’t like:

It doesn’t work with standard AA or AAA batteries. Instead, you can either use two RCR123A or CR123A batteries or just a 18650 one.

Why you might need a hunting flashlight

There are many areas of use for employment of a flashligh. The most dominant uses are for law and military enforcement, along with hunting. For hunting, this kind of gear helps illuminate your direct aim, blinds the prey and lights up a broad territory in the woods. The compact size eliminates problems while hunting. It will not hide visible objects and will not hinder precision during aiming. Some models are easily usable with most weapon mounts and filters to fit specific purposes.

What to consider when searching for the best flashlight for hunting

Unlike a regular flashlight that you can just pluck off the store shelves, a hunting flashlight should be bought while taking careful consideration of several factors. This will entail some research to ensure that you are getting real value for money.

ANSI FL1 Standards

To even out the playing field for flashlight manufacturers, the ANSI FL1 standards were introduced. Knowing about this specific element helps you interpret the details set out in the standards sheet of a product. The standards include a number of elements such as light output, run time, beam distance, peak beam intensity, impact resistance and water resistance.

The light output refers to the lumens rating that denotes the total amount of light coming out of the front tip of the unit. The run time refers to how much time the light will take to reach 10 percent of its initial output. Thus, if a unit starts at 90 lumens, this refers to how long the continuous light will take to get down to 90 lumens. The beam distance is the parameter of distance measured in meters at which the intensity of the beam gets to 0.25 lux, which approximates how much light a full moon outputs when the night is clear.

The peak beam intensity, which is measured in candela, refers to the beam’s brightest point and tells you how bright that particular point will be. The impact resistance of a specific model is measured in meters and indicates the height from which the unit can get dropped onto a concrete surface and still be able to work properly, without the light getting broken or cracked.

The water resistance component is measured in three levels namely, IPX4, IPX7 and IPX8. For IPX4 units, you have a flashlight that can withstand water splashes. An IPX7 certified model, on the other hand, can get submerged to one meter for half an hour and will still work. A flashlight rated at IPX8 can be submerged deeper than one meter for up to four hours and can still do its job.

Bulb Type

With the numerous advancements in LED technology, bulbs of other types have been rendered virtually obsolete. Incandescent type bulbs including krypton ones are still used in some flashlights models but there’s nothing on the market that quite comes close to LED flashlights in terms of run time, brightness versatility, impact resistance and general energy efficiency.

You can go for units that use disposable batteries, with the most common sizes being double A and triple A. Another popular choice is CR123A, which is more expensive than the first two and may prove to be tougher to find. CR123A, however, offers greater voltage output despite having less weight and size, so you can expect a brighter flashlight inspite of a smaller and less hefty unit. Units that run on D batteries are baton-sized models that provide light and security and ensure they will be easy to find in a pocket.

A rechargeable model comes with built-in lithium ion batteries that can get juiced up via USB connection to a PC, a solar panel, or an AC or DC outlet. This kind of flashlight may have higher acquisition costs but this will be effectively offset by its low ongoing operational costs since there won’t be repeated purchases for disposable fuel cells while also reducing the waste that gets into landfills. A renewable unit features a built-in battery that can be energized by cranking a turbine or via a solar panel, making it ideal to include in an emergency preparedness kit.

Beam Type

Light is dispersed according to the lens reflector surrounding the bulb. You have three options on beam type: fixed or flood type, characterized by a single beam width and is good for general applications including walking and camping; focused or spot type, which is a single beam condensed as a spotlight that can penetrate long distances, perfect for fast-paced applications such as route finding; adjustable type, which has a range of widths varying from wide to focused and any point between the two, for versatility in use.

Regulated output

A flashlight boasting a regulated power supply is mostly able to keep a consistent, near-peak level of brightness throughout the life of its batteries. On the other hand, it may have dropped light output near the end, which can be sudden and considerable. As the power gets drained from a unit with unregulated power supply, the light will grow progressively dimmer while being bright at the onset.

Modes

For general applications, you won’t need more that a single setting. There are models that come with two or more operating modes such as low, medium and high, as well as boost levels. This enables you to cast an extra-strong light when needed. Bear in mind that the runtime gets reduced when you choose a brighter mode. Other modes include strobe or SOS capability, user programmability, and mode sequencing.

Overall, when prioritizing all these factors, it all boils down to your own personal need and demand. Be it the construction material, perfect size, color type, budget and other specifications—it’s the personal choice and requirement that your decision really depends on.

Well, now that you know how to buy the right flashlight, it’s time to choose one from many. To make things easier for you, we have put together this list of 7 highest-rated flashlights that you can purchase online.